Sports ball throwing training system and method

ABSTRACT

A sporting ball training system and method. The sports training system and methods include a rod member, with one end attached to a handle for gripping. The other end is attached to one end of a guide member; the other end of the guide being attached to a ball that creates a tension during a simulated throw.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/616,170 filed Mar. 27, 2012, the entirety of the specification of which is hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth in the present specification.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to sports training systems methods, and more specifically to sports training systems and methods for training proper player positioning and accurate ball throwing.

Many sporting activities utilize balls or other like projectiles that can be thrown by a player. The distance and velocity of the throw may vary from sport to sport. Further, the technique of grasping the ball and manipulating the wrist and elbow to throw the ball may vary between different sports. Variables that affect a throwing style may include, without limitation, size of the ball, distance to throw the ball, necessary velocity to deliver the ball, and estimated strength and capacity of the player to throw the ball.

Typically, throwing for a particular sport requires a specific mechanism and style. The player often practices the sport specific style repetitively until it is perfected. However, the throwing style may not be intuitively obvious. In this case, the player may require special training equipment and coaching to learn and master the appropriate throw. There is a need to address one or more of the foregoing disadvantages of conventional systems and methods, and the present invention meets this need.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Various aspects of a sports training system and method can be found in exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

In a first embodiment, the sports training system trains a player in an appropriate throwing mechanism by guiding body parts pertinent to the throwing motion. The present invention includes a rigid rod member that presses against the players back, providing a restrictive mechanical barrier that restricts incorrect throwing motions.

A flexible guide member extends from the rod member, terminating at the ball. The guide member creates a predetermined quantity of tension that counteracts a centrifugal force generated from the throwing motion. In this manner, when the player simulates a throw, the mechanism of the throw is better controlled for teaching and observation purposes.

A ball attaches to the end of the guide member for the player to grasp and simulate an appropriate throwing motion against tension from the guide member. The rod member presses against the player's back to provide additional resistance and guide appropriate body positioning during the simulated throw.

The rod member is substantially linear and rigid, configured to press against the player's back in a substantially vertical or a substantially horizontal orientation. The specific orientation of the rod member is dependent on the type of throw desired, or the size of the player.

The guide member includes a looped cord that attaches to a ring on the rod member from one end, and the ball from the other end. The guide member provides sufficient tension to control and regulate the simulated throw. Both the rod member and the guide member work together to guide the pertinent body parts in the proper throwing mechanism.

The sports training system and method provides a throwing device that is helpful in developing throwing mechanisms, including, without limitation, appropriate arm and shoulder rotation, body orientation and positioning while throwing, imparting appropriate rotation and hand motion to a ball, and lower body positioning in a throwing motion.

A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the present invention herein may be realized by reference to the remaining portions of the specifications and the attached drawings. Further features and advantages of the present invention as well as the structure and operation of various embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with respect to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a sports training system with a ball attached, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a flowchart diagram for a sports training method, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present;

FIG. 3A illustrates a player utilizing a sports training method that includes positioning a rod member vertically against a shoulder blade and simulating a throw, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present;

FIG. 3B illustrates a side view of a player utilizing a sports training method that includes positioning a rod member horizontally against a lower back and simulating a throw, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present;

FIG. 3C illustrates a rear view of a player utilizing a sports training method that includes positioning a rod member horizontally against a lower back and simulating a throw, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present;

FIG. 4 illustrates a sports training system, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a rod member enclosed with a pad, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates a ball support member attached to a looped guide member, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 7 illustrates a guide member attached to a ring from a rod member, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in conjunction with the preferred embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the invention to these embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, in the following detailed description of the present invention, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, and circuits have not been described in detail so as to not unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates a sports training system with a ball attached, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, sports training system 100 comprises a rod member 102 that presses against the players back, providing a restrictive mechanical barrier that is helpful in restricting incorrect throwing motions. The rod member 102 further provides resistance against a simulated throw from a player's arm to better control the throwing mechanism.

In some embodiments, the rod member 102 comprises a rigid and linear shape configured for pressing straight across the back. However, in other embodiments, the rod member 102 includes a concave shape to more effectively contour the lower back or shoulder blades. The rod member 102 may include various lengths to satisfy different sizes of players and styles of ball throwing for various sports. In some embodiments, a pad 114 may at least partially enclose the rod member for providing comfort.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the rod member 102 includes a rod proximal end 104 having a handle 106 for gripping. In this manner, the player may grab the handle 106 with a grip hand while grasping a ball 118 and simulating a throw with a throwing hand. The handle 106 is configured to provide sufficient grip to prevent slippage during the simulated throw.

A guide member 110 joins with the rod member 102, extending out and terminating at a ball 118. The guide member 110 includes a guide member proximal end 112 that extends from a rod distal end 108 and loops around a ring. In this manner, a strong connection allows a player to exert maximum force while simulating a throw.

The guide member 110 includes a flexible looped cord that provides sufficient tension against a simulated throw to produce a slow, controlled throwing motion efficacious for teaching and observation purposes. The guide member 110 and the rod member 102 act together to resist the throwing motion, allowing the throwing mechanism to be more fully realized by the player and an observer. In this manner, proper analysis and appreciation of the simulated throw may be enhanced.

Specifically, the flexible nature of the guide member 110 allows for a substantially full range of shoulder and elbow motion for simulating a throw. The rod member 102 stabilizes and orients the body, while the guide member 110 regulates the throwing mechanism with tension that pulls against the throwing arm. The tension also serves to train a throwing hand to impart proper rotation and hand motion while simulating a throw.

A ball support member 120 joins with a guide member distal end 116. The ball support member 120 may include, without limitation, a clip that grasps the ball, a string that ties around the ball 118, a rod that passes through the ball, a magnet that attracts the ball, and an adhesive that sticks to the ball. Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings, will recognize that the ball support member 120 must utilize a minimum amount of space to allow the throwing hand space to grasp the ball 118. In this manner, the throw may be simulated accurately.

Suitable materials for fabricating the sports training system 100 may include, without limitation, fiberglass, aluminum, wood, plastic, and resin derived polymers. The sports training system 100 may be sized and dimensioned to accommodate a variety of sports that require ball throwing, including, without limitation, baseball, softball, cricket, tennis, football, basketball, and water polo.

FIG. 2 illustrates a flowchart diagram for a sports training method, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present.

In FIG. 2, a sports training method 200 allows a player to develop a proper throwing motion by guiding the player's throwing mechanism through repetitive simulation of a throw. An initial Step 202 includes providing a sports training system 100. The sports training system 100 is substantially a rod member 102 with a guide member 110, such as a flexible cord, attached thereto. An appropriate ball 118 joins with the guide member for the player to grasp. The sports training method 200 essentially requires the player to simultaneously grip the handle 106 of the rod member 102, while holding and throwing the ball 118.

A Step 204 includes attaching the ball 118 to the guide member 110. A ball 118 attaches to the end of the guide member 110 for the player to grasp and simulate an appropriate throwing motion against tension from the guide member 110. The sports training system 100 is sufficiently diverse to allow myriad types of balls 118 to be used for simulating a throw. A ball support member 120 joins the guide member to the ball. The ball support member 120 may include, without limitation, a clip, a screw, a rubber band, a magnet, and an adhesive.

A Step 206 includes grasping the handle 106 with the grip hand. The handle 106 is disposed to position at a rod proximal end 104. In this manner, the player must extend to a maximum point for simulating a throw. However, in other embodiments, the player may grasp the rod member 102 at a more central point along the rod member 102. In one alternative embodiment, the handle 106 includes a strap for securing a wrist to the rod member 102.

A Step 208 includes placing the ball 118 in the throwing hand. The sports training system 100 may serve to force the throwing hand to hold the ball 118 in an appropriate orientation for imparting proper rotation and hand movement to the ball 118. Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings, will recognize that, the angle of the throwing arm, as dictated by the rod member 102 and guide member 110, can force the throwing hand to orient to an appropriate angle. In one alternative embodiment, the ball 118 may include markings that instruct on finger placement. The markings are designed to coordinate with a specific placement of the rod member 102 against the back.

A Step 210 includes positioning the rod member 102 against a back for training appropriate body and arm position while simulating a throw. The rod member 102 is substantially linear and rigid, configured to press against the player's back in a substantially vertical or a substantially horizontal orientation. The specific orientation of the rod member 102 is dependent on the type of throw desired, or the size of the player.

For example, without limitation, a baseball pitch requires appropriate foot positioning along with arm mechanics. During a simulated pitch, the throwing arm initially breaks in a downward semi-circular motion. The front arm stays closed and the front elbow remains at a 45 to 90 degree angle. The rod member 102 pressed against the back helps the player attain this position. During the throw, the throwing arm should reach its lowest point during the motion. The arm is nearly perpendicular to the ground, with a slight bend in the elbow. The rod member 102 ensures that the throwing arm is pressured to the lowest point.

A Step 212 includes throwing the ball 118 in a forward motion. The simulated throw does not require releasing the ball 118, or even throwing at full speed. Rather, the throwing mechanism is controlled and oriented to achieve a desired final throwing motion.

A Step 214 naturally follows Step 212 as tension is created during the throwing motion from the elastic nature of the guide member 110, along with the rod member 102 pressing against the back. The guide member 110 may include an elastic cord that stretches, yet provides a predetermined amount of resistance against a centrifugal force developed from the throwing motion. The guide member 110 may be fabricated from various materials and have various elasticity factors and resistance to deformation. Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings, will recognize that the elasticity of the guide member 110 can be adjusted to provide different resistances for various types of throws and balls with a formula such as Hooke's Law: F=kx, where F is an elastic force, x is displacement, and k is a spring constant.

FIG. 3A illustrates a player utilizing a sports training method that includes positioning a rod member vertically against a shoulder blade and simulating a throw, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present.

In FIG. 3A, a player 302 utilizes a sports training method to develop a particular throw. In some embodiments, the sports training method may be utilized for strength conditioning and stretching exercises. The vertical positioning of a rod member 308 may be efficacious for simulating an overhand throw. The rod member 308 can position in proximity to a left shoulder blade or a right shoulder blade, depending on a throwing hand 304 of the player. A grip hand 306 restricts the rod member 308 against the back.

FIG. 3B illustrates a side view of a player utilizing a sports training method that includes positioning a rod member horizontally against a lower back and simulating a throw, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present.

In FIG. 3B, the player 302 presses the rod member 308 against the back in a substantially horizontal orientation. The horizontal positioning of the rod member 308 may be efficacious for simulating a side throw. However, a variety of other throws can be simulated from the position. In one embodiment, a pad 312 at least partially covers the rod member 308 to provide comfort for the back.

FIG. 3C illustrates a rear view of a player utilizing a sports training method that includes positioning a rod member horizontally against a lower back and simulating a throw, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present.

In FIG. 3C, the player positions the rod member 308 in a lower area of the back and grasps the ball 314 from the side. The throwing hand 304 pulls on a guide member 310 attached to the ball 314. The grip hand 306 serves to counterbalance the centrifugal force exerted by the throwing hand 304. In this manner, the player's back serves as a fulcrum, allowing the player to exert full control over the throwing motion.

FIG. 4 illustrates a sports training system, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 4, the sports training system trains a player in an appropriate throwing mechanism by guiding body parts pertinent to the throwing motion. A rod member 404 presses against the player's back in numerous possible orientations, providing a restrictive mechanical barrier that restricts incorrect throwing motions. The exact positioning of the rod member can be manipulated to match a desired throwing style or ball type. A handle 402 provides a grip to press the rod member against the back.

In one embodiment, a flexible guide member 410 extends from the rod member, terminating at the ball. The guide member may include a looped cord having elasticity characteristics. The guide member generates a predetermined quantity of tension that counteracts a centrifugal force generated from the throwing action. The resistance of the guide member provides a slower, more controlled simulated throw for enhanced teaching and observation.

In some embodiments, a ball support member 408, such as a clip securely retains a ball to the guide member. In this manner, a player can grasp the ball to simulate an appropriate throwing motion against tension from the guide member. The rod member presses against the player's back to provide additional resistance and guide appropriate body positioning during the simulated throw. In some embodiments, a pad 406 at least partially encloses the rod member to provide comfort to the back.

FIG. 5 illustrates a rod member enclosed with a pad, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 5, a pad 502 includes a tubular foam member configured to at least partially enclose a rod member 504. However, in other embodiments, the pad can be fabricated from other materials, including, without limitation, rubber, cardboard, a nonwoven material, and cotton. The pad is sized to enclose an area of the rod member that engages the back.

FIG. 6 illustrates a ball support member attached to a looped guide member, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 6, the ball support member 602 joins with a guide member distal end 604 to provide a secure connection for the ball. Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings, will recognize that the ball support member must utilize a minimum amount of space to allow the throwing hand space to grasp the ball. In this manner, the throw may be simulated accurately. The ball support member may include, without limitation, a clip that grasps the ball, a string that ties around the ball, a rod that passes through the ball, a magnet that attracts the ball, and an adhesive that sticks to the ball.

FIG. 7 illustrates a guide member attached to a ring from a rod member, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 7, a guide member joins with the rod member, extending out and terminating at a ball. The guide member includes a guide member proximal end 702 that loops around a ring 704 that extends from a rod distal end 706. In this manner, a strong connection between the guide member and the rod member allows a player to exert maximum force while simulating a throw.

While the above is a complete description of exemplary specific embodiments of the invention, additional embodiments are also possible. Thus, the above description should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims along with their full scope of equivalents. 

I claim:
 1. A sports training system for training proper player positioning and accurate ball throwing, the sports training system comprising: a rod member, the rod member comprising a rod proximal end and a rod distal end, the rod proximal end being disposed to join with a handle, the handle being configured to be operable to be gripped, the rod member being configured to be operable to press against a back for balancing appropriate body and arm positioning against a centrifugal force developed from a throwing motion; a guide member, the guide member comprising a guide member proximal end and a guide member distal end, the guide member proximal end being disposed to join with the rod distal end, the guide member distal end being disposed to join with the ball, the guide member being operable to create a tension for controlling a throwing arm in a substantially full range of shoulder and elbow motions to impart appropriate rotation and hand motion to the ball.
 2. The system of claim 1 wherein the rod member defines a rigid and linear shape configured to position in a substantially vertically orientation along a back for guiding appropriate body and arm positioning while throwing the ball in a forward motion.
 3. The system of claim 1 wherein the rod member comprises a pad for providing comfort while engaging the back, the pad comprising a tubular foam member, the tubular foam member being configured to at least partially enclose the rod member.
 4. The system of claim 1 wherein the rod distal end comprises a ring, the ring being configured to join with the guide member proximal end.
 5. The system of claim 1 wherein the handle is disposed to form a tangent away from the rod member.
 6. The system of claim 1 wherein the guide member distal end comprises a ball support member, the ball support member being configured to hold the ball.
 7. The system of claim 6 wherein the ball support member comprises a clip.
 8. The system of claim 1 wherein the guide member comprises a flexible cord for providing tension while throwing the ball.
 9. The system of claim 4 wherein the guide member comprising a loop, the loop being configured to pass through the ring.
 10. The system of claim 1 wherein the ball comprises a baseball.
 11. The system of claim 1 wherein the sports training system comprises an indicating system integral with the ball, wherein the indicating system provides at least one of an audible indication and visual indication of the accuracy of a throwing motion.
 12. A method operable to train proper player positioning and accurate ball throwing while throwing a ball, the method comprising: providing a sports training system extending between a rod member and a guiding member, the guiding member having a ball at its distal end; grasping a handle of a rod member proximal end with a grip hand; placing the ball in a throwing hand of a throwing arm; positioning the rod member in a substantially vertical orientation against a back for training appropriate body and arm positioning against a centrifugal force generated by a simulated throw, wherein the handle positions at a lower elevation than a rod member distal end; throwing the ball in a forward throwing motion from the throwing hand and the throwing arm; and creating tension from the guide member to control the throwing arm in a substantially full range of shoulder and elbow motions to impart appropriate elbow rotation and hand motion to the ball.
 13. The method of claim 10 wherein a forward throwing motion comprises placing the feet spaced apart along a forward axis extending in the forward throwing direction.
 14. The method of claim 10 wherein the rod member positions in a substantially horizontal orientation along the back.
 15. The method of claim 10 wherein the method is operable to develop arm muscles associated with throwing by doing strengthening exercises.
 16. A sports training system for training proper player positioning and accurate ball throwing, the sports training system comprising: a rod member, the rod member comprising a rod proximal end and a rod distal end, the rod proximal end being disposed to join with a handle; and a guide member, the guide member comprising a guide member proximal end and a guide member distal end, the guide member proximal end being disposed to join with the rod distal end, the guide member distal end being disposed to join with a ball.
 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the guide member is operable to create a tension between the rod member and the ball. 